Why Trump Defrocked 50 National-Security Officials
AtlanticJAN 25
Trump Strips Ex-Officials of Security Detail Despite Iran Threats
Above: Former Sec. of State Mike Pompeo is seen speaking during a conference at Auvers-Sur-Oise, France on Jan. 9, 2025. Image copyright: Siavosh Hosseini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Facts
Pres. Donald Trump stripped former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former aide Brian Hook of their security details on Tuesday, despite them facing Iranian assassination threats over their role in the 2020 killing of Gen. Qassim Suleimani.
The security details, which were provided by the State Department, were terminated just one day after Trump also pulled Secret Service protection for his former national security adviser John Bolton, who faces similar threats from Iran.
The Biden administration had specifically warned about continuing threats to these officials due to actions taken during Trump's first term. Pompeo and Hook were reportedly informed about the termination of security on Wednesday.
The Spin
Pro-Trump narrative
Donald Trump's withdrawal of Mike Pompeo and Brian Hook's security details is practical, and is consistent with the president's earlier stand against indefinite government funded protection. It underscores concerns over balancing cost, safety, and accountability for former top officials. There's risk involved in almost everything at such senior administrative levels, and security can't be provided forever.
Anti-Trump narrative
Pres. Donald Trump's move is a shocking betrayal that leaves former officials exposed to credible Iranian assassination threats. Despite knowing these officials face genuine mortal danger — with Iran willing to pay hundreds of thousands to "eliminate" them — Trump chose callousness out of petty personal animus, brazenly disregarding his former aides' safety and fundamental duty of care to those who served him.